🔗 Share this article

Back in the year 2006, My journey took me to Canberra for an interview at a medical college. I figured I would book a place to stay upon arrival, however upon reaching the city, a large conference was happening and all the backpackers hostels and cheap hotels had no vacancies.

Hailing from Singapore, I considered the possibility of bed down in the terminal – but quickly found that airport, in contrast to Changi Airport, closes 24 hours. Unsure of what my next move should be and getting a bit desperate, I hopped on a city-bound bus and began walking towards a gaming venue, reasoning it was a place to spend the evening somewhere that was open through the night. That wouldn’t put me at my peak for nailing an interview the next day, yet, as a student on a tight budget, a pricey hotel was out of reach.

The world needs more people with such compassion.

It seems I seemed confused because a female student saw me loitering in the city center and inquired if everything was alright. I explained the story of my accommodation crisis and immediately she suggested I was welcome to sleep on a spare mattress in her student dorm at ANU – a perfect solution, given that my the important interview was scheduled for the next day. She went further by offering some food: one of the sandwiches she brought back her part-time job. I had access to a hot shower and somewhere safe and safe to spend the night.

Looking back, it’s clear to me what a big chance she accepted as a woman allowing a male stranger she had only just encountered sleep on her floor. In those days I operated under my own unawareness and not even thinking about things like that. Today, as a parent, it astounds me she did that – yet incredibly thankful.

I didn’t end up go to that university, and I never saw the student afterwards, but her act remains etched in my mind her amazing act of generosity. It is my wish karma has repaid her generosity abundantly. We could all use more folks who show such kindness.